Foods That Boost Brainpower

Whether you're having trouble concentrating at work or you just need an extra mental kick to make it through your finals, there are many foods, herbs and supplements that can improve your memory, concentration and focus. If you combine these "brain foods" with regular exercise and a good night's sleep, you'll have boosted your brainpower in no time.

However, keep in mind that while some foods can be beneficial for your brain, others can have quite the opposite effect. Processed foods that are high in simple carbs, sugar, salt, and preservatives — such as pies, cakes, and some breads and cereals — can actually inhibit the release of chemicals needed for the brain to function properly.

If you're looking to boost your brainpower, here are some whole foods, herbs and supplements that can help.

whole foods

Eggs Since the solid (non-water) part of the brain is primarily composed of fat, we must provide it with "good fats" — essential fatty acids or EFAs — through our diet because the body does not produce them. In fact, fat is essential in the formation of synapses in the brain that are involved in the creation and maintenance of memories. Eggs are an excellent source of EFAs.

Oily fish If your mother told you that eating fish would make you smart, she was right. Oily varieties of fish — such as salmon, sardines, mackerel, and herring — are high in the EFAs known as omega-3 fatty acids. These good fats are crucial components of our brain cells and improve learning powers and memory.

Sardines also have the added benefit of containing the nutrient choline, a brain chemical that is fundamental for memory.

Soy All the whole foods mentioned here also have the advantage of being packed with protein, which triggers neurotransmitters associated with memory. Soy is no exception. Soy protein isolate, which consists of a concentrated form of protein extracted from soybeans, is a great source of protein that can be found in supplements, liquid or powder form.

But soy — found in natural products such as soymilk or in soy isoflavone supplements — is also valuable for improving verbal and non-verbal memory, as well as mental flexibility.

herbs

Gingko biloba Gingko biloba, which has been used in Eastern cultures for thousands of years, is perhaps the most well-known and one of the most potent "memory herbs." It works by increasing the blood flow to the brain, by dilating the blood vessels and increasing oxygen supply. However, it isn't an instant solution as it can take a few weeks to start seeing results. It also gets rid of free radicals that can damage brain cells.

Boost your brainpower with these everyday herbs you probably have lying around your kitchen, as well as with some basic supplements...